FORMER Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard believes an opening game against Saints is a "dream" for the newly promoted side.

Saints will start the 2025/26 Championship season against the Welsh club at St Mary's on Saturday, August 9, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm.

Howard, who departs Wrexham this month, says a meeting with Saints is the perfect test for a side who have won three consecutive promotions.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It's the dream. They all want to test themselves against the best players and the best opposition.

"There is no better opportunity than a 12:30 kick-off against one of the teams who have come down from the Premier League.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds (centre right) celebrates after their promotion last season.Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds (centre right) celebrates after their promotion last season. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA) READ: Fixture release day: Saints learn full 2025/26 Championship schedule

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"With a new manager in charge, it will be an even bigger test. Will Still will be looking to implement his own style on that Southampton team.

"I'm pretty sure the dressing room (at Wrexham) will be checking the fixtures while they eat their lunch, and they will be excited.

"The fans will be. They will have maybe hoped for a home game first to get everyone to the Racecourse for the new season.

"Stepping up into the Championship, a lot of the Championship teams will not want to be embarrassed by a team who, three years ago, were in the National League."

Southampton's home opener against Wrexham will mark the first time they have started the season at St Mary's since facing Burnley in 2018/19.

The two clubs have not faced in league action since April 1960, when Wrexham won 2-1 in the old Division Three.

Their last meeting was in September 1979, when Saints won 3-0 in the League Cup.